Daedalus
Named for the boy who flew too close to the sun, this smallish restaurant/bar, opened just last summer, strikes the right balance between classy and down-to-earth. Smoking isn't allowed anywhere inside, which makes for a refreshingly healthy late-night experience. On the first floor, made cosy by the black and red decor, patrons sit at the bar or at one of several small booths and tables. But the upstairs is really what sets Daedalus apart - the ceiling is one huge skylight, the walls are windows (open in summer), and huge leather couches as well as intimate corner booths abound. Daedalus is owned by two Irish brothers, one or both of whom is usually in attendance, either tending bar or mingling with patrons. During the academic year, the crowd is mainly college and grad school students, with a healthy mix of young professionals thrown in as well. During the summer, the average age rises a bit. The restaurant, open for lunch and dinner, has an inventive, if slightly expensive menu, and the cocktail list is equally original. I recommend trying a Pegou (sp?) - the lime's answer to a cosmopolitan, it's served in a martini glass, and is bright green, with plenty of pulp. Final note - to avoid embarassment, remember that Daedalus is pronounced "DED-a-lis", not "DAYD-a-lis". Say it.
From journal Harvard Square; not just for students